Community Waste Services Took Advance Payments And Failed To Collect Trash From 93 Consumers; Will Pay Over $10K In Restitution And Penalties
Schneiderman: My Office Will Work To Ensure That Closing Businesses Fulfill Outstanding Obligations
ROCHESTER – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office settled an investigation of Community Waste Services. The company agreed to pay restitution to consumers who made advance payments for waste hauling services that the company did not perform. After the owner of the company passed away, the manager took over operation of the company. After one of the company trucks broke down in spring 2015, the company stopped making trash collections, stopped answering phone calls and responding to letters, including attempts by the Attorney General’s office to resolve mounting consumer complaints.
“A business cannot simply close its doors without first settling service obligations to consumers who have already paid,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “My office will keep working to ensure that New York consumers receive the goods and services they’ve paid for, and that companies that go out of business fulfill their outstanding obligations.”
Under the settlement, the manager is permanently prohibited from operating a waste hauling business without first posting a $30,000 bond, and has agreed to pay $8,800 in restitution to 93 consumers and $2,000 as costs and penalties.
When planning to use hire a waste hauler, consumers should consider the following tips:
- Never agree to a long term contract with advance payments on the spot, especially when waste haulers are marketing door-to-door;
- Shop around; get at least three estimates from waste haulers that include specific information about services to be provided;
- Ask for references: check with the Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers, and neighbors; and
- Always contact any references provided to you.
Additional information on how to avoid fraudulent home improvement contractors can be found on the Attorney General’s Website.
Consumers who believe they may have been defrauded by or have unresolved disputes with a home improvement contractor are urged to call the Attorney General’s Consumer Help Line at (800) 771-7755.
The case is being handled by Benjamin Bruce, Assistant Attorney General of the Rochester Regional Office which is led by Ted O’Brien, Assistant Attorney General-in-Charge. The Rochester Regional Office is a part of the Division of Regional Offices, led by Marty Mack, Executive Deputy Attorney General for Regional Offices.